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AT&T YOUR SABRES DELIVERED: STEVE BERNIER

by
Staff Writer
/ Buffalo Sabres

Steve Bernier (Photo: Getty Images)

(Editor's Note: AT&T, the official and exclusive wireless provider of the Buffalo Sabres, is giving fans the most exclusive access to the Sabres players and staff. AT&T Your Questions Delivered is an interactive program designed to allows wireless subscribers first-hand exposure to their team.

The latest interview was with Buffalo Sabres forward Steve Bernier:What do you remember about your first NHL game?

"My first NHL game was in Anaheim.

"I remember that we lost that game but it was fun. I was nervous at first but it was a dream to play at that level. I will always remember that game for sure."

What are the biggest differences between Buffalo and San Jose on and off the ice- besides Buffalo's fabulous weather of course?

"The trees.

"I’m just saying, up there it is different. Here you don’t see sand in the street. You see a different landscape. I don’t know how to explain it but I would have to say the trees."

Was it hard to just pack up and move from California to Buffalo?

"I didn’t have a chance to pack up yet. When I was traded I was on the road in Columbus. It was not tough because I was not in San Jose so it was easy packing. I just had a little bag and I was on my way to Buffalo. Everything is still there, but it is supposed to be coming pretty soon."

What is your favorite part about being on the Buffalo Sabres?

"I have a lot of favorite parts. It is a great hockey city and a great team. I am glad to be closer to my family and that they can come see me play a little bit more.

"Everything is coming full-circle for me. I just want to make the playoffs, that is all that I am missing right now. But we are going to work for it."

Did you find a favorite chicken wing restaurant yet?

"You know what? That is an easy question for me because I haven't eaten any chicken wings yet.

"I heard about them… a lot. But I have to be careful about what I am eating in the season.

"I will try them after the season is over for sure."

How did you earn number 56?

"I need a number with a six.

"At first I was going to take No. 96, but usually, teams don’t like to give out that number. I don’t really know why. I didn’t even ask for it when I got here and the only number available when I got here was 56, so I took it. All my numbers have had a six in it, since I was young so I just had to keep that going."

Who on the Sabres you are closest with?

"It’s a tough question but I will say Pominville because he is French and easy to talk with.

"I will also say Derek Roy because when I first got here he took care of me all the time, drove me around, showed me the city and took me to restaurants and everything. Those two guys helped me out a lot to know the city."

What was the most surprising difference playing in the Eastern Conference versus the Western Conference?

"The flying. I’m not a big fan of it and here when you fly it’s not that bad. Before you know it you, you are already in the city you are playing against. In the West, the flights are two or two and a half hours per trip. That is the biggest difference."